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Wedding Officiant - Vow Renewals - Blessings - Polynesian Fireknife Dancer

Kahu Tom is a licensed minister and a retired Senior Pastor at Kalāhikiola Congregational Church in Kohala where he served for more then 20 years. He has dedicated himself to working with each ʻohana, to create celebrations of

life, love and new beginnings.

Since 2012, he has been privileged to officiate more then 1,500 weddings, vow renewals and blessings.

His love for the Polynesian culture is exhibited when he performs as a Siva Afi/Samoan Fireknife dancer at resorts along the Kona/Kohala Coast.

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ABOUT

Kahu Tom Fernandez has been a resident of the Island of Hawai’i since 1988. He was born and raised on Oahu and after graduating from college he moved to Kailua-Kona where his family has lived for 3 generations. Tom served as a Kahu/Minister at Kalāhikiola Congregational Church for 22 years.

A husband and father of three children, Tom is very involved in both cultural activities and his community. He has loved opportunities to coach high school soccer, train as a Crossfit coach, entertain visitors as a Samoan firekniife dancer and continue to learn as a student of 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language). Kahu Tom is very passionate about being an encouragement all generations. Experienced in performing weddings, blessings, funerals and baptisms - Tom’s heart is to include the beauty of the culture in every aspect of his ceremonies.

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Get in Touch

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MORE ABOUT KAHU TOM

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EDUCATION

• Graduate of the University of Franklin Pierce in Rindge, NH

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Member of Island Breeze Ministries, Hawai’i
• Former Vice President of the Hawai’i Island UCC Board

• President of the BOD of South Pacific Christian Camps

INTERESTS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Former coach at Crossfit Ali’i
• Member of Christian Surfers International

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

Wedding ceremonies include both English and Hawaiian vows. Kahu Tom shares about the Hawaiian values of aloha and ʻohana that are being created as two people are married. A basic ceremony is available, however customizing the wedding to include a lei exchange, being blessing, sand ceremony or special touches honoring parents or loved ones are always available. Typically the ceremony is approximately 15-20 minutes long, however a special reading or an inspirational message can always be included depending on the wishes of the bride and groom.

WEDDING OFFICIANT

Cultural Ceremonies

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VOW RENEWALS

With memorable Hawaiian touches including...

Blowing of the pū/conchshell
Oli komo (welcoming chant)
Hoʻopōmaikaʻi (ring blessing)
ʻŌlelo noʻeau (words of wisdom through Hawaiian proverb)

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FIREKNIFE DANCE PERFORMANCE

After the ceremony celebrate with a surprise for your guests

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HAWAIIAN BLESSINGS

Arrange a blessing of the start of your gathering, new business or new home

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DEVOTED TO SATISFACTION

Feedback from my couples....

As we settle into the joyous beginning of our married life, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the beautiful ceremony you officiated on December 4, 2023. One month ago today!!

Your presence and guidance added an extra layer of warmth and meaning to our special day. Your words resonated with us and our guests, creating a truly memorable and heartfelt atmosphere, not to mention the butterflies. Your ability to capture the essence of our relationship and convey it with such sincerity made our ceremony uniquely ours.

Your professionalism and personal touch did not go unnoticed, and we feel truly blessed to have had you as our officiant.

Once again, thank you for contributing to the start of our lifelong journey together. We will forever cherish the memories of our wedding ceremony, and your role in it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We have enclosed a few pics we hope you like.

Mahalo Nui loa and warmest regards.

Jim & Yvette

We didn't book Tom ourselves as he was hired through the wedding co-ordinator at the Fairmont Orchid hotel, but he couldn't have been any better. He talked us through what would happen and asked us for our input - the ceremony itself was perfect and Tom's smile made for some amazing photos. We would definitely recommend him for your wedding.

Paul (groom)

We canʻt thank you enough for making our wedding day just so special! Your words and the way you officiated our ceremony just filled our hearts with so much love and warmth. From day 1, you made us feel so comfortable and at ease, and it was truly one of the best decisions we ever made to have you part of our wedding ceremony. Thank you again for all your love and support.